Volkswagen Golf GTI
As the "hot hatch" poster child, the Volkswagen Golf GTI combines hatchback practicality with an extra helping of performance. Imbued with sharp handling, adrenaline-raising acceleration, and quality cargo capacity, the GTI leaves owners largely satisfied with its fun-to-drive nature and functional offerings. On the downside, the athletic VW has been knocked for its cumbersome in-car tech and relatively high cost of ownership. But on the whole, the GTI, now in its eighth generation, is as enjoyable as ever.
As the "hot hatch" poster child, the Volkswagen Golf GTI combines hatchback practicality with an extra helping of performance. Imbued with sharp handling, adrenaline-raising acceleration, and quality cargo capacity, the GTI leaves owners largely satisfied with its fun-to-drive nature and functional offerings. On the downside, the athletic VW has been knocked for its cumbersome in-car tech and relatively high cost of ownership. But on the whole, the GTI, now in its eighth generation, is as enjoyable as ever.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Model Lineup
The Golf GTI is a sportier version of Volkswagen’s popular compact hatchback, the Golf. The five-seater is one of two performance-oriented hatchbacks in the German automaker’s lineup; the other is the even racier Golf R, which is reviewed separately. While most versions of the GTI feature four doors, VW has also sold two-door variants intermittently through the years, most recently in 2016.
Volkswagen has predominantly built the GTI in three trims: the base-level S, the mid-tier SE, and the range-topping Autobahn. For 2019 (only), VW also offered the upgraded Rabbit Edition, featuring unique styling and more standard safety features. Since 2015, all GTI versions have included standard heated front seats. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera joined the standard-features list starting in 2016, and a suite of active safety gear, including blind-spot warning and forward collision mitigation, became standard for 2019 (and was previously optional). In 2022, the GTI also got standard parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, plus an 8.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a wireless smartphone charger.
For over a decade, a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has powered the Golf GTI. It delivers between 200 and 240 horsepower, depending on the model year, and is mated either to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional dual-clutch automatic, which was upgraded from six to seven forward gears starting in 2019. All GTI models are front-wheel drive (only). No hybrid or electric options are available.
Popular Trims
Volkswagen Golf GTI Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.4
46 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Daniel L. from CA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
The infotainment system feels slow for what should expect as technology in a 2015 vehicle. It switches modes slowly especially in navigation. It would of been nice to have a dedicated app for Pandora. Also sending navigation from phone to car is a must. Once people use that they will realize how useful it. The car is not efficient in searching like using google or Yelp so we use the phone to get an address but then it would be nice to send the address to the car's navigation system. Hopefully the next system is much better.
Ethan S. from FL
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
Gas mileage is worse than it should be.
Patrick J. from NH
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
The 2015 VW GTI is an amazing performance vehicle. It routinely delivered 36 MPG on the highway, while at the same time providing the sportiness I enjoy on back roads. The version I purchased was the Autobahn Edition with the Sport Package, Dynamic Chassis Control, and the Lighting Package. The Sport Package with the front electro-mechanical differential turns the car into a go kart. It's a must have for what little premium it ads. The Dynamic Chassis Control in "Comfort" notably softens the ride for bad roads. The Lighting Package is just pretty cool for tech junkies. In the end I sold the car after 3 months and bought a Mazda 3. The seats on the GTI were so confining in the upper back that with my hour long commute each way by the end of a week my back was literally in agony. I tried different pads and nothing seemed to work. My previous two GTIs were so comfortable I joked about using them as living room furniture if I could. I contacted VW USA and was told that since there were not enough complaints to warrant a recall, my pain, while unfortunate, was not something they felt obligated to address. That GTI was my fourth VW in 6 years. I sold the car two weeks later.
Robert K. from CT
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
Love the brand, love the car, have ordered 2016 VW R All wheel drive, standard transmission, more power, better handling.
Gerald D. from NH
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2 dr
Leased the GTI because I wanted enough power to pass the slow pokes who think driving 5 mph below the speed limit is "safe".
John K. from CA
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
The navigation/entertainment system in the 2015 VW is the worst thing in the universe. Ugly, slow, unreliable, not useful. I can't think of a single positive thing about it. It makes my entire experience worse.
Stephen P. from FL
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
Excessive brake dust produced. Ceramic brake pads would help.
James E. from NV
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 dr
The Navigation system is so slow to startup and respond that I've already gone back to smartphone navigation. Other than that, the car is flawless, just the reason why I bought it.
Doug C. from WA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2 dr
I paid for the top trim package for the 2 door (SE), but am baffled as to why there is no seat back reclining lever. A knob must be rotated to recline the seatback. Come on VW! Overall, I am very pleased with the GTI, but a bit disappointed in the front seats not having a reclining lever for the seatbacks. They can only be reclined using a rotary dial. Very clumsy and cheap. I would not have bought the car had I known this was the case. My fault for not doing more research.